"Even though opportunity for expression is boundless, only the proper match of plan, theme, and site woven together with the will of the Owner will result in a truly enduring and timeless Architecture, one that will retain its Investment Value over time. For over 20 years Award Winning Architect John Henry has proven -consistently, that his unique capabilities and background can satisfy the desires of the most demanding and esteemed client. Through continuous personal research and a commitment to Design Excellence, in each case the result is a 'one-of-a kind' residence that bears a distinct 'signature style': timeless, a true classic."   

John Henry

Credentials

John Henry is a practicing licensed architect in the state of Florida and Texas with an office based in Orlando. He holds a Bachelor in Environmental Design and Master of Architecture degree from Texas A&M University.

Having apprenticed in a variety of prestigious commercial and residential firms Mr. Henry's work includes examples of decorative Traditional styles to ultra-Contemporary designs which can be found in various communities and metropolitan areas nationwide ranging from starter homes to country estates, and commercial/institutional projects.

Awards

Winner of several local and national design competitions, his work was voted the "People's Choice" Best of Show and Best Architectural Design for "Villa Verona" in Alaqua's 1992 Street of Dreams in Orlando, Florida. In 1995 the residential prototype for Time/Warner's interactive cable "Twenty-first Century Technology House" was completed in Longwood, Florida. In 1998 "Valmoreal" received the Best of Show award for Philip Landing's Street of Dreams showcase. (see below)

Philosophy of Design

Influenced by the archaeology of ancient Greece and Rome and the Renaissance period in Italy, France, and Germany, plus the Islamic architecture of the Middle East, Mr. Henry has developed a personal view of architecture shaped by the rich cultural influences experienced in his youth. The distinguishing philosophy of Mr. Henry is the belief that classic architecture may be executed in any style: but that style must be handled with the proper understanding of historical development, by focusing attention to particular details, materials and design characteristics of the period, and by building appropriately to site and environmental context. Above all design integrity is paramount in order to insure a coherent and valuable statement.

Period Style

John Henry's approach to traditional style is an inspirational blend of academic classicism tinged with romantic overtones. The work can be formal to eclectic: several styles can be brought together to achieve a unique, one-of-a-kind response to a client's discriminating vision. Period style facades combine with practical and clever floor plans which can unfold according to lifestyle, views, topography, and microclimate.
In a time that the faddists are experimenting with 'chaos theory' and the commercial world is steeped in monotonous functionalism, it is refreshing to find an architect who strives for aesthetics and grace beyond just practicality. In this politically correct era where judgment is suspended, an architect is setting a standard of excellence. A bleary 'less is more' world is thirsty for decorative detail that does not overwhelm and visual interest that is evocative, complementary.

The interesting irony here is that John Henry received a Master of Architecture from a university that was insistent on adhering monolithically to Modern Movement tenets, prohibiting the use of any form of historical revivalism in solving contemporary building needs. Since the middle 1970's that idea has been compromised in leading academic institutions allowing post-modernist ideas and practice. While having the opportunity and experience in modern architectural design, the residential field has meanwhile followed the pendulum swing to traditional and period style work, currently vogue. Before this swing was apparent or as nearly complete as it is now, Mr. Henry concentrated over 8 years of private research in the effort to understand and be proficient in the 'art of the ancients', resulting in one of the most competent and original architects of period style design. His portfolio is resplendent with various examples of Greco-Roman to Gothic residential (and commercial structures) finished in a wide range of materials, budget, and consequently integrity of the period.

Approach

This two-sided approach - one of function and practicality, the other of aesthetic richness and historical allusion -- results in a 'best of both worlds' resource. Add a flair for an exotic/ romantic interpretation of the classics, the insistence on integrity of the design, and you have the makings of World Class Architecture. If you feel that 'less is a bore' and you crave a return to human-based scale and sensuous form; if you long for the heroic and monumental, for the evocative - the sublime in art, then John Henry must be your architect of choice. If you believe beauty in art and architecture is still possible and that a 'return to tradition' can satisfy a longing for the elegiac imagery of the past please consider an architectural classic designed by John Henry who has been successfully solving living needs and enhancing lifestyles for discriminating individuals, offering a wide variety of experience in terms of site and client briefs, and a tailored scope of services.

Custom Services

John Henry accepts commissions to partially or completely design and detail luxury custom homes in any location of the world. The results vary in scope depending on each Owner's unique circumstances and program. Satisfying the conceptual model is the heart of the project, and Mr. Henry has been adept at 'starting from zero' - a blank sheet of paper-to finishing projects started in conjunction with other designers. The energy and vision that an Owner brings to the table is matched and synthesized into an enduring architectural statement which becomes a valuable heritage investment.
Each program results in a 'one-of-a-kind' solution. It is extremely rare to find the typical in John Henry's work. All is special, a wonder. Truly, beyond four walls and a simple roof we all attempt to create a distinct environment multi-layered with meaning, an ephemeral habitation for our body and souls. John Henry has an uncanny ability to 'draw out' (figuratively and literally!) the genetic spark or thematic essence of each Owner's vision. The conceptual response is unnervingly prompt. He opens up various possibilities in the conceptual stage to insure that the Owner has considered the principal options and alternatives available before further development.
Availability
Because of the highly customized nature of Mr. Henry's practice all commission requests unfortunately cannot be granted. Please correspond as to the nature/ location/ scope and estimated budget of your project, as well as a time/ schedule commitment. You will be notified promptly if available time and resources can be allocated to meet your needs.

Guarantee

You will find that the measure of John Henry's worth is based on the value his services create: a lasting investment based on timeless principles of design, not pasted with clichés or caricature that will date and deprecate your investment. He is a purist theoretically, but welcomes any challenge that would further the boundaries of excellence in design - modern or classical. In creating with any materials or designing under any stylistic basis, be believes that without soul, without romance, art, or drama - the project would fail in its most essential purpose: to create an inspiring human environment that speaks of its Owner's vision and aspiration. With great sensitivity to harmony and balance, to color and light, for form and texture, such an end may be realized. Rest assured that your project will be "one of a kind" - exclusively designed by Mr. Henry and personally executed to the highest standards.
Mr. Henry derives his greatest satisfaction from thoroughly pleasing his clients which is possible by his comprehensive manner and professional commitment, knowing that the manifestation of the creative energy expended has resulted in a truly timeless and classic work of architecture - a lasting and secure investment.

Licensing, Academic and Professional Credentials

John C. Henry holds a Bachelor of Environmental Design and Master of Architecture degree from Texas A&M University. He currently maintains a professional license in  Florida (AR 13013).  Licensure allows an architect the right to design structures of any size and type in each respective state licensed. Usually, a structural engineer must check the building structure for adequate member design and specify certain details for steel, concrete, and wood framing. He or she will stamp the structural drawing set and the Owner may then present the engineering set with the architectural set for permitting. Seismic and wind design is required by certain states. Other jurisdictions may require environmental impact studies, etc.
Out of state architects may design residential structures in states in which they maintain no license as long as local engineering is accomplished and reciprocity is granted. In some developments the community covenants and regulations simply state the requirement for a licensed architect to be commissioned and may not specify in which state the architect must be licensed. If prohibited for some reason, an out of state architect ('Design Architect') may contract with a local consulting architect ('Architect of Record') to execute Construction Documents and follow with Construction Administration.

Shahid Ahmad of Contempo Design (321/229-7251 or 407/ 238-9590) working with John Henry (photo above) during framing stage of ultra-custom residence in Cypress Point, Orlando.  Inspecting screeds for stucco moldings below:

Long Distance Projects: National and International

Many of John Henry's projects take place out of the State of Florida, where the prime office is located. However due to the many benefits of telecommunications, much can be accomplished with a combination of site visits and personal consultation aided by telephone, fax and overnight drawings delivery, and through same-day fax-modem file transfers directly to a local reprographics firm.
Depending on availability/ scheduling, the scope of work, and contract terms, Mr. Henry may make multiple visits throughout the design-build process. If circumstances do not permit extensive representation a local architect may be contracted directly by the Owner or hired as a consultant under the Owner/ Architect contract. The local firm may fulfill the Contract Documents phase for example and be asked to administer bidding and contractor selection, review draw requests, and visit the site as often as possible to insure that the Contractor is following specifications and drawings to fulfill the complete terms of the construction

Projects overseas may be organized similarly to those out of the architect's principal working range. The squatters system for programming and conceptual design is encouraged here since there is more limited personal contact. Materials and construction methods have a great bearing on style as well as political, geographic, and climatic issues. Also, local custom and family organization affect the layout of plans. A non-Western lifestyle may usually be adapted under traditional Western architectural forms, and many up-to-date internal conveniences/ appliances/ electrical and mechanical systems, as well as decorative materials may be imported.
The Construction Documents often must be adapted to mimic local standards, which includes drawings executed in the metric system. This presents no real problem but attention to imported electrical motors (voltage and current), cabinetry, windows and doors, etc. must be taken to insure the proper utility connections and fit in walls. Consulting architects must be available unless the Owner might consider having the prime architect locate a Field Representative to the site.
Logistics may hamper progress. For example, the importing of certain materials may be prohibited or taxed; the duration of shipping to the host country may delay the project. Local contractors may not be familiar with the installation of certain products as well. The availability of skilled trades and craftspeople also presents a problem. Many of these issues should be addressed in the programming phase in order to reconcile the most reasonable and desirable design.

Awards and Citations

"...the thing of first importance in architecture is beauty."
Charles F. McKim, Architect 1905

Awards

1990 Orlando Magazine, Achievements in Architecture, Best Architectural Design, "Mere Belle"
1991 Golden Aurora Award, 11 State Regional Competition, Best of Show "Viscaya"
1991 Best in American Living, National Competition, NAHB and Professional Builder Finalist
1991 HBA Parade of Homes, Orlando Best of Show "Chateaux Marseilles"
1992 Custom Builder, National Competition, Best Architectural Exterior Details, "Mere Belle"
1992 Grand Aurora Award, 11 State Regional Competition, First Place, "Descombes Residence", (Frank Lloyd Wright style)
1992 'Street of Dreams', Best of Show, Best Architectural Design "Villa Verona"
1992 International Ironworks, First Place, Ceremonial Gates, "Mere Belle"
1993 Orlando Magazine, Best Architectural Design 1993, Residential category, "Villa Verona"
1997 'Street of Dreams', Best of Show, Best Architectural Design "Valmoreal" (w/ Bernie Johnson)
1998 Southeast Builder's Conference, Aurora Award "Valmoreal"
 

Publication/Citations

1991 Professional Builder, Chateaux Marseilles
1991 Florida Home Builder, Viscaya
1991 Sun Coast Architect, Viscaya
1991 Southeast Home Builder, Viscaya, Villa Verona
1991 Orlando Sentinel, "Million Dollar Estate, Mere Belle"
1991 Orlando Sentinel, "The Southeast's Best", Viscaya
1992 Professional Builder, Intellinet System, Mere Belle
1992 Florida Design, Viscaya
1992 Unique Homes, "Descombes Residence", Mere Belle
1992 Orlando Sentinel, Villa Verona
1992 Metro, Villa Verona
1993 Naples Daily, "The New Traditionalism"
1993 Orlando Magazine, Showcase/Bio
1993 Master Plan, Master Custom Builder's Council, Villa Verona
1993 Orlando Sentinel, "Winner Style", Mather Residence
1993 Florida Design, Villa Verona, Descombes Residence
1993 Luxury Homes, Villa Verona
1993 Custom Builder, Siding Choices
1993 Master Plan, "The New Traditionalism"
1994 Orlando Sentinel, "Traditional Architecture"
1994 Florida Design, Miami Herald, Tampa Tribune , 'Maison Grande'
1995 Orlando Sentinel, "21st Century House"
1995 Luxury Homes, Professional Builder, Florida Homebuilder, 'Maison Grande''
1995 Orlando Magazine, 'Dyer Residence''
1995 Southern Living, Wall Street Journal , ' 21st Century House'
1995 Wall Street Journal, Orlando Sentinel, Orlando Business Journal, Progressive Architecture: 'A Wrinkle in Time'
1996 Wall Street Journal, Orlando Sentinel, Houston , Disney's Celebration
1998 Unique Homes, Christie's Great Estates, duPont Registry of Fine Homes, Payne Stewart residence
1998 Orlando Sentinel, The New Traditionals
1998 Contemporary Stone Design, Mere Belle
1998 Homes and Land, 'Classical Renaissance'
1998 The American Society of Architectural Perspectivists, Designated Entry, Levy Residence
2000 Design Build Business and Entablature. 'The Future of the American Luxury Home'
2000 Good Morning America, "Chateaux des Reves" feature
2006 Orlando Magazine, Mediterranean Contemporary
2007 Orlando Homebuyer, Multi-Generational House

Procedure

Exactly how to proceed varies between professionals. Following is a summary of how to begin working with Mr. Henry apart from contact and procedure outlined in this web site.

Initial Contact

You will find examples of John Henry's work in national magazines, even commentary about his views on design and planning issues in major newspapers and trade journals. Or, referral is most common. A brochure will be forwarded on which to help base your decision to commission the architect. After examining more examples of his work, studying background and credentials, reviewing recommendations, etc. you may request a contract proposal and/ or schedule a personal interview. To meet personally in Florida or Texas involves no charge, but to meet outside these states, a time/ travel and accommodation fee will apply (see brochure material). An initial meeting should involve a site visit; if not, a topographical survey should be available for study.

A portfolio of finished work as well as a group of sketches/ plans will accompany the architect in order to review several projects of interest. You will gain information as to how specific projects were accomplished, in terms of planning/ conceptualization and materials selection. A variety of styles are apparent from which to help narrow a selection for your own project. You will sense whether or not you will feel comfortable on a personal level to embark on a long-term association as well. If a contract proposal has not been submitted at this point, Mr. Henry will develop a personalized contract for your review within a week, or if time permits, on-site. If agreement is reached on the terms and provisions of the commission Mr. Henry may be available to begin a squatters session (see below), or at least clarify your exact requirements in person.

Contract Proposal

Mr. Henry will require an outline brief of your intentions in terms of site, budget, anticipated style and area needs in order to customize a design proposal. Following the interview and discussion of this proposal, some adjustments may be negotiated until a satisfactory fee schedule and terms are accepted. A retainer based on approximately 10% of the total contract amount and contract signatures allow commencement of the design.

Programming

'Problem seeking' or the search for opportunities and the development of the client brief (if not worked out beforehand) marks the first stage of the planning process; it is a pre-design phase (see above) on which everything else follows. Changes to the original conception as understood prior to agreeing to the contract proposal may warrant adjustments to the contract due to a change in scope of work. For example, during the Conceptual Design phase the site selected may not be adequate for the size and style of home anticipated, or an initial budget estimate may not support the degree of detail required per area needs. Or, after developing the initial floor plan schematics, the total buildable area may have to be adjusted ±10-40%.

Squatters: Optional On-location Programming and Conceptual/ Schematic Design Session -- Phase 1 Services

In the late 50's two Texas A&M architects pioneered a process by which the Owner's program was tested on-location in a relatively short period. Combined with the French Beaux Arts system of a timely competition under stressful conditions (the famous charette) this process came to be known as a squatters design charette. It was an intensive design session allowing direct feedback by the Owner.
The architect(s) relocate temporarily in the city or town where the Owner resides, preferably close to the site in mind. The client's program brief is clarified, evaluated and possibly modified. Upon agreement of the basic parameters, the architect will study the site and begin sketching several alternatives in 'bubble-diagram' format until the proper spatial relationships emerge. One approach is singled out after several attempts, as the agreed-upon theme becomes key. A conceptual elevation or two is proposed in order to sense the massing. Style, a result of proportion, height, and preconception may precondition the floor plan or may evolve depending on site and changing program specifications. The Owner is reviewing each sketch overlay and edits the progress of the work.
Next the diagrams are further developed into distinct geometries and checked with the site conditions. Setbacks, microclimate, vegetation, views, site improvements, context, vehicular and pedestrian circulation must be observed and integrated. During this process further alternatives may present themselves. If the site is generous and relatively level, a plethora of layouts is possible. If such is the case, a protracted conceptual design session will occur before any 'hard-lining' is attempted.

When the ultimate conceptual plan and elevation is generated in sketch form, John Henry translates the floor plan into a computer generated scaled drawing, usually on a portable or laptop computer that can be linked to a large screen television. The Owner can observe and make changes to the floor plan as it is being digitized. A flexible CAD program allows the movement and alteration of any wall. Several small-scaled plans can be hard copied and then a ¼" scale plan plotted on large sheets from the computer disk. Doors, windows, plumbing fixtures, cabinetry, porches, stairs, etc. can be altered and developed into the initial Schematic Plan, fulfilling Phase 1 objectives.
A front view sketch based on the larger plot will be drawn up next. Color and texture indications will be added. The style is now clear and further manipulation of the floor plan may be necessary to balance the composition of the façade. A style change may be possible as well. Overlays and perspective renderings may follow. If the Owner is very satisfied with this product, further refinement and progress to the next phase will follow. This section basically compresses several weeks of the conceptual to schematic design phase in a matter of 3-7 days and illustrates the basic strategy involved in producing an acceptable plan and elevation. For complex projects of larger scope (4-7,000 SF+) and on more difficult sites, some additional drafting equipment will be necessary to keep the scale of the work consistent and may extend the time period up to two weeks or more.

Phase 2-5 Services (for complete description for Standard and Ultra Architectural Services read section on Design Process in Creating the Custom Home or go to Ultra-Custom Services)

The development of the concept is an orderly process, but as mentioned earlier, can often loop back to an earlier stage challenging all previously developed programmatic requirements and philosophical approaches. This is not bad, but can either lead to frustration or elevate the project to new heights. Generally, the pre-construction design process is quite satisfying and memorable to all parties. While the design process is critical to the generation of the construction documents, additional effort must be taken to insure that construction is achieving design intent. That means a clear tie-in between complete specifications and site observation.
A good architect will attempt to communicate the ramifications for each design decision as clearly as possible to the Owner at each step, although it is my experience that the finished built product is almost always a surprise, a most pleasant one. Unanticipated results may be mitigated by the production of realistic renderings, models, and even CAD generated walk-through programs. The Owner should attempt to gauge the breadth and height of the anticipated spaces from existing structures if possible.